Fistonich ... for grape services

Picture / Paul Estcourt

Villa Maria Estate's founder and sole owner, George Fistonich, was yesterday rewarded for his services to the wine industry by Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright at Government House, Auckland. Fistonich, 65, with wife Gail, right, was named a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in June.

Fistonich, who grew up helping his Croatian father manage half a hectare of grapes, said the award was "very exciting and surprising".

Founded in 1961, Villa Maria now exports wine to 40 countries and employs 230 workers.